Medical Today

Pharmacology.
Alprazolam is a triazolobenzodiazepine that is equal in efficacy to other benzodiazepines for generalized anxiety disorder but more effective in the treatment of panic disorder. Although alprazolam has some efficacy in major depression, it is less effective than heterocyclic antidepressants.

Pharmacology.
Adenosine is a purinergic agonist that acts on the purine P1 and P2 receptors (although P1 receptors are more sensitive to adenosine). Pharmacologic effects include coronary and peripheral vasodilation, negative inotropic actions, and depression of sinus node and AV nodal conduction. It is used most frequently for supraventricular tachycardia caused by re-entry (ie, AV nodal re-entry or AV re-entry associated with an extranodal pathway). In these instances, restoration of sinus rhythm occurs in 85-95% of patients. The drug also can be helpful in diagnosing wide-QRS tachycardias believed to be supraventricular in origin.

Pharmacology:

Acetaminophen possesses analgesic and antipyretic activities with few anti-inflammatory effects. It has the same effectiveness as aspirin in inhibiting brain prostaglandin synthetase but very little activity as a peripheral prostaglandin inhibitor. This difference from aspirin and other NSAIDs might explain its relative lack of effectiveness as an anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic agent. Acetaminophen does not inhibit normal platelet action, prothrombin activity, or adversely affect GI mucosal health.

Administration and Adult Dosage:

Pharmacology.
Acarbose is an oral alpha-glucosidase inhibitor indicated for the management of hyperglycemia caused by type 2 diabetes mellitus. Inhibition of this gut enzyme system effectively reduces the rate of complex carbohydrate digestion and the subsequent absorption of glucose, thereby lowering postprandial glucose excursions in type 2 diabetes. In obese and non-obese patients with type 2 diabetes, acarbose monotherapy is associated with a 0.5-1% decrease in hemoglobin A1c.

Pharmacology.
Venlafaxine is a potent reuptake inhibitor of serotonin and norepinephrine, like many TCAs, but lacks effects on muscarinic,

Administration and Adult Dosage.
PO for depression (immediate-release) 75mg bid or tid initially, increasing q 4-7 days to an effective antidepressant dosage of 225-375 mg/day in 2 or 3 divided doses; (sustained-release) 75 mg once daily initially, increasing in increments of up to 75 mg/day at intervals of 4 or more days to a maximum of 225 mg/day. The sustained-release preparation does not reduce side effects but allows once-daily administration.
PO for generalized anxiety disorder 75-225 mg/day in 2-3 divided doses. Patients with renal impairment or on hemodialysis require a 25-50% dosage reduction.